The Southwest Monarch Study
is researching the migration and breeding patterns of monarch butterflies in Arizona and the SouthWestern United States.
It was once believed that monarch butterflies East of the Rocky Mountains
flew to the mountains near Mexico City for the winter and monarchs West of the Rockies flew to the coast of California.
Through Fall tagging in the Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, California deserts, Utah and Western
Colorado), we have learned that
this is not always the case.

There is much more
to learn about the wild monarch migration throughout the Southwestern states. If you love monarch butterflies,
consider joining our study.

Our Mission:

To identify and describe the migration and breeding patterns of Monarch Butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in
the Western United States.

To monitor and encourage Monarch Butterfly conservation.

To provide a meaningful research project for citizen scientists of all ages.

How do we do this?

We tag Monarch Butterflies during their Fall migration from August through November. We also tag them
while they are overwintering to track their movement between sites.
See how to tag a Monarch. Click here

We monitor milkweed populations throughout the West. Why is milkweed important? Click here

Over 300 Citizen Scientists have tagged monarchs for the Southwest Monarch Study.
Since 2004, they have tagged thousands of monarch butterflies in Arizona. Through recoveries, we now know that
some of these monarchs flew to
Mexico, and others to the coast of California (a recovery is a tagged monarch reported in a distant location) We have
discovered monarch breeding habitats around the state and are also learning about
monarchs that spend the winter in Arizona.

Through analysis of tagging and recovery data, we are also uncovering some fascinating patterns about
weather, especially wind, and how it affects the monarch migration.

We are very excited by these recoveries, but there is so much more to learn. Join a tagging trip
or tag on your own.
No effort is too small—we never know who will discover a new piece in the monarch puzzle. How to tag? Take a few moments
to read this link.
Come and join us in some of the most beautiful parts of Arizona and the southwestern United States, have fun, and contribute to the
understanding of one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena, the monarch migration.

If you are interested
in joining this exciting research, or would like more information about our recoveries, email:

You asked, we listened. Through your encouragement, We are now a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation
helps us purchase tags and print educational brochures as well as offer milkweed seasonally. We are grateful
for your financial support of monarch conservation in the southwest. Donations are now tax deductible.